[Adoption: psychiatric risk and/or protective factor?].

: Epidemiologic studies reveal that adoptees are overrepresented in referrals to child psychiatric facilities as well as show more often psychiatric disturbances compared with their nonadopted peers. Therefore the adoptive status is indicating a psychiatric risk. To explain the underlying mechanisms it seems useful to comprehend the adoption as a process. The adoptees' situation must be described as bearing multiple risks. On the other hand the adoption itself can be seen as a protective factor too. It nevertheless can produce additional problems. In order to enhance the success in therapy these adoption-specific risk factors witch can deteriorate the relationship between the adoptive parents and their children must be considered.